How Alessandra Ambrosio Defined the Retro Sneaker Era: From New Balance 997H to Minimalist Slides

In August 2020, Alessandra Ambrosio embraced the relaxed mix of athleisure, vintage sneakers, and easy summer separates that defined celebrity off-duty style during the era.

From retro-inspired New Balance 997H sneakers and Jacquemus accessories to breezy denim shorts paired with minimalist Greek-style sandals, her Los Angeles outings captured the effortless California wardrobe she became known for.

Retro Sneaker Style: Alessandra Ambrosio Wears New Balance 997H Sneakers for a Los Angeles Shopping Outing

While out shopping in Los Angeles in August 2020, Alessandra Ambrosio leaned into the relaxed off-duty style that became closely associated with her casual California wardrobe.

Instead of the flat sandals and flip-flops she frequently wore that summer, the Brazilian model finished her look with retro-inspired New Balance Classics 997H sneakers in a white-and-moonbeam-gold colorway.

Alessandra Ambrosio styles New Balance Classics 997H sneakers with neutral athleisure pieces while shopping in Los Angeles on August 20, 2020 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

She paired the low-top sneakers with a ribbed Amo Denim crop tank and white sweatpants, layering a yellow sweater diagonally across her chest for a casual, athletic feel. The combination reflected the shift toward elevated loungewear and vintage-inspired sneakers that defined much of celebrity street style during the period.

The retro running-inspired New Balance design added structure to the relaxed outfit with suede overlays, mesh panels, reflective gold branding, and the brand’s signature cushioned midsoles.

Alessandra Ambrosio shows off her toned midriff in a crop tank top and white sweatpants (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Jacquemus, Tom Ford, and Layered Jewelry Complete Alessandra’s Off-Duty Outfit

Alessandra accessorized with a Mara Box Chain choker and an Arms of Eve Ariel necklace made from colorful rubber beads. She also wore a bangle, a watch, and a Lorraine Schwartz Evil Eye bracelet.

Giving her casual look some added style, Alessandra carried a Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito white leather shoulder bag and shielded her eyes with a pair of Tom Ford Dashel sunnies. She covered her mouth and nose with a leopard-print fashion PPE face mask.

Alessandra Ambrosio wears her hair down and accessorizes with Tom Ford sunnies and a leopard face mask (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Shoe Spotlight: New Balance 997H Sneakers Add Vintage Running Energy to Alessandra’s Look

Flip-flops and flat sandals have always been Alessandra’s go-to footwear in summer. But for her recent outing, she opted for a pair of New Balance Classics 997H in moonbeam/gold colorway.

These low-top retro-style textile sneakers feature suede overlays, a lace-up closure, mesh textile lining, and reflective gold logo branding on the lateral sides.

Alessandra Ambrosio completes her sporty summer look with New Balance 997H sneakers (Credit: Instar / WENN)

They also have a padded footbed with the brand’s signature ENCAP foam midsoles and ABZORB midsole cushions for support, durability, and shock absorption.

The moonbeam-and-gold New Balance 997H sneakers combine retro running-shoe design with suede overlays, breathable mesh panels, reflective metallic branding, and cushioned midsoles built for everyday comfort

Alessandra Ambrosio’s retro-inspired New Balance 997H sneakers fit naturally into the broader revival of vintage running shoes that shaped celebrity street style during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Similar silhouettes appeared throughout Your Next Shoes coverage as stars increasingly traded minimalist fashion sneakers for chunkier, performance-rooted designs with visible cushioning, suede overlays, and classic mesh uppers.

Ambrosio continued exploring the trend in other off-duty looks, including a sporty airport-to-workout wardrobe built around gray New Balance 990v5 sneakers paired with Alo Yoga activewear and Stella McCartney accessories. The look reflected the growing popularity of understated “dad sneakers” that balanced comfort with luxury styling.

Retro New Balance runners also became a recurring celebrity staple beyond Ambrosio’s wardrobe. Scarlett Johansson styled classic New Balance 574 sneakers while filming in New York City, reinforcing how heritage running shoes evolved into everyday essentials for off-duty dressing.

The appeal of these archival-inspired sneakers crossed generations and personal style aesthetics. Sarah Jessica Parker’s New Balance street style moments further demonstrated how retro athletic footwear became a defining part of relaxed city dressing, often paired with tailoring, denim, and elevated casual separates rather than traditional gymwear.

Summer Denim Moment: Alessandra Ambrosio Steps Out in Re/Done Shorts and a Chufy Floral Blouse

Just three days prior to her shopping outing, Alessandra and her daughter, Anja Louise Ambrosio Mazur, rolled into a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in Los Angeles.

Later that day, she and Anja stopped by a friend’s home in West Hollywood.

Alessandra Ambrosio and daughter Anja visit a friend’s house after getting tested for COVID-19 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

The former Victoria’s Secret angel put on a leggy display as she stepped out of her car. She wore a pair of raw-cut frayed Daisy Dukes by Re/Done.

Her ex-fiancé, Jamie Mazur, co-founded the denim label in 2014. The two split in March 2018 after a 10-year engagement.

Alessandra Ambrosio puts her long legs on display in Re/Done denim shorts (Credit: Instar / WENN)

For a summery look, she paired her denim shorts with a Chufy “Kuka” floral blouse, which features a plunging neckline with tassel pulls and bishop long sleeves with elasticated cuffs.

Her daughter, who had just celebrated her 12th birthday, also kept it casual in colorful donut-printed shorts, a black-and-white crop tee, and a pair of Adidas slides.

Alessandra Ambrosio’s daughter opts for a relaxed, casual look with Adidas slides (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Laid-Back Sandal Style: Alessandra Ambrosio Wears Laiik Ani Toe-Ring Slides

Alessandra accessorized her summertime look with the same Mara choker, Arms of Eve beaded necklace, and Jacquemus Le Grand shoulder bag.

Stepping out without a mask, Alessandra wore a pair of Garrett Leight x Clare V. Nouvelle sunglasses for the sunny afternoon.

Alessandra Ambrosio skips wearing a protective face mask (Credit: Instar / WENN)

The tall supermodel completed her cute summer outfit with “Ani” toe-ring sandals from DC-based footwear label Laiik.

Alessandra Ambrosio keeps her summer look relaxed and understated in minimalist Laiik “Ani” toe-ring sandals crafted from smooth natural leather with asymmetrical Greek-inspired straps (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Named after the third-century BCE poet Anyte, these Greek-style slide sandals are made from vegetable-tanned Italian Vachetta leather and feature a wide vamp strap, a slender second strap, and a toe strap.

Laiik’s bestselling “Ani” sandals reinterpret classic Greek slides with smooth vegetable-tanned leather straps, minimalist asymmetrical lines, and an understated handmade finish inspired by traditional Mediterranean footwear

From Retro Sneakers to Boho Sandals: Alessandra Ambrosio’s Signature Off-Duty Style

Whether stepping out in vintage-inspired New Balance sneakers, minimalist flat sandals, or strappy designer heels, Alessandra Ambrosio has long balanced relaxed California dressing with polished fashion details.

Her off-duty wardrobe often blends athletic staples, bohemian textures, and luxury accessories in a way that feels effortless rather than overly styled — a mix that helped define celebrity street style throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s.